Some initial work on the Heath AG-9A Audio Generator. Cleaned up the front panel and painted the cabinet. Did an inventory of capacitors required plus measured most of the resistors. Found a few reading high. But one was wide open. A 560 ohm that forms part of the 600 ohm output load somehow got blasted. Shows no signs of burning but it is wide open. This guy will be put aside until after the parts order is submitted.

YESSS!!! You DO get it! That IS what 'vette is! The Corvette was ALWAYS about the primal stuff: Gorgeous predatory & feminine body lines combined with phenomenal raw power, and NOTHING ELSE!

You didn't need ANYTHING but 1000 miles of empty interstate and a full tank of gas. Okay, several tanks of gas. Stereo? The radio was OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT. Trunk...? FUCK YOU! Be glad we gave you enough room to put your girl in the seat beside you. BACK SEAT? If you can't get it on with a shifter jammed in her bum, you don't DESERVE a Corvette!!! When you find the girl who likes it that way, MARRY HER!!!

You know what, I'd rather have a Jag XK8 and show you how a real car performs [emoji1787][emoji1787]

You know what they say... "If you buy a Jag, buy two so you'll have something to drive while it's in the shop".

Don't they have the same say about Ford?

Lots of people do but I'm not sure why. In 2001 I bought a 2001 Ford Explorer SUV. Other than things you expect to wear out like tires, shocks, brakes, a fan belt, and a couple radiator hoses, in the 16 years I had it I had to put front ball joints in twice, and replace a cracked thermostat hosing and a bad intake manifold gasket. And one time when it quit idling I had to clean the throttle body and the idle air control valve. I think that's pretty damn good for 16 years of use.

In May 2018 I traded it in on a 2017 Explorer. So far I've had to do nothing to the new one but change the oil, but I've only had it a bit over a year. It does have a couple recalls I need to get done though. But with all the new fangled gadgets in the 2017 I somehow think it's not going to be as trouble free as the 2001 model was. Just more stuff to go wrong. We'll see.

Not that the three Fords (had a 94 Ranger pickup too) I have had make a good statistical sample, but I have lots of friends and family members that have had Fords and have not had any amount of problems that would indicate they are really any less reliable than any other manufacturer.

My biggest disappointment so far with the 2017 Explorer is that with 16 years newer technology, and a smaller 3.5L engine, they only managed to increase the gas mileage by 1 or 2 mpg in the city. Come on, they should be able to do better than that. But since I only drive about 8000 miles a year, the cost of the gas isn't that big of a concern for me.

You know what, I'd rather have a Jag XK8 and show you how a real car performs [emoji1787][emoji1787]

You'd rather be seen driving the car known to motorheads as the Screaming Catfish?!? SERIOUSLY...?

mnem

At least it's better than that American plastic seizure they just presented.

Jag is a international legend and respected car,the XJ6 was voted world's best and best looking luxury car for many year running. So I think I'll stick with the Jag thanks [emoji83]

Sorry, but I do agree with mnem on this one. The resemblance to a catfish mouth is striking.

I don't care, I still like Jags, look beyond the badge, as I do with my Skoda. Skoda was for years the butt of a shit load of jokes, but most people would admit that they are no longer a joke in car world.

"Corvette" is ALSO such a legend. So?

You're thinking of the Jaguar E-Type; which the XK8 is trying to "harken back to" but fails miserably.

In this modern world world where reliable and efficiently metered EFI/Ignition systems are literally an off-the-shelf commodity item you can buy in kit form, it is HARD to make a car that ISN'T dependable anymore; you HAVE TO TRY to make it happen. And still, Jaguar succeeds in keeping their rep for being high-maintenance.

You don't get my point... I don't hate European Sports Cars; I LOVE THEM. For (not in spite of) WHAT THEY ARE. What I HATE is when people try to make a car something it isn't; and what "Corvette" is NOW is a FAILED ATTEMPT at being pretty much the antithesis of what they were born as. Because 95% of the decisions made at GM are made by useless marketing wanks, who are so far removed from actual humanity they have no clue what BUILDING CARS is all about.

I've owned more cars than most people have driven; driven more cars than a lot of people have SEEN. I popped out the chute with a gearshift grip and white-line fever, just like my momma. EVERY CAR has its place, and its perfect owner (well, except maybe a Yugo ). I LOVE CARS.

Finally got the replacement KSGER soldering station today. It works fine but there are several issues that I wanted to address (was there going to be any doubt?).

First thing was the backup battery - it was completely dead. I knew this was an issue with these and I know how to fix it, but I chose to leave it without a battery, due to a good suggestion by another person on You Tube. If you leave out the battery it will simply count up the time from power-up, so showing you the time it's been on. I think this is better. I mean, I know what time it is and the date anyway.

The front circuit board was definitely bent due to stresses on it by the mis-alignment of the two opposing forces - the solder iron connector and the rotary encoder. I fixed this by using some spacers on the encoder. I was going to take it apart and use washers there but the genius of the mechanical design would require desoldering the iron connector to remove the whole board.

Also in China it appears that power switches are "ON" pushed down and "OFF" pushed up. I do not like that so I popped out the power switch and turned it easily 180 deg.

I also replaced the knob with another one I liked better (not slippery).

Now it's back together and I can calibrtate all the tips I have and start soldering something!

Y'all know a little while back I received a couple LAMBDA LQ-532s; I've finally had the time to go through them and check all the caps.

Between the two units, I found ONE CAP not within 10% of spec; and that had completely failed. For those who don't know, these are made to be a "hermetically sealed" cap, which if it fails instead of spewing its guts and poop all over the unit, instead is supposed to split the red seal and expand the shrink-wrap like this one did, keeping the electrolyte contained. Note I said "Supposed to".

I had a similar-quality SPRAGUE 100uF/50V radial in the bin that tested good; made a extra-heavy lead extension and plonked it in there.

I HAVE THA POWAAAHHH!!!

Gaze on in wonder, my friends. You'll not likely see my bench this clean for a LONG, LONG time, if EVER. (We'll ignore my wheeled welding table covered with shit just off-screen)

But WAIT... THERE's MORE!!! Now How Much Would You Pay...?

How about $22 delivered? Would you pay that for 10 good, heavy, extra-slinky silicone patch cables?!?

I give a hearty 2 claws up, excellent quality fine stranded 16ga wire printed as it should be on the 1.5mm silicone jacket (which I also peeled back the insulation and confirmed firsthand) and soldered construction.

I like these ends; while not as much covalent area as my beloved HXT 4mm, multiple independent spring contacts does indicate they should remain quite reliable. They make good depth of contact in all my PSUS and meters, including the super-recessed ones on the 3478A. And of course, they also stack like a crazy staircase-thingy as far away from the socket as you dare to go lest weight & leverage break the socket off your meter.

You know what, I'd rather have a Jag XK8 and show you how a real car performs [emoji1787][emoji1787]

You'd rather be seen driving the car known to motorheads as the Screaming Catfish?!? SERIOUSLY...?

mnem

At least it's better than that American plastic seizure they just presented.

Jag is a international legend and respected car,the XJ6 was voted world's best and best looking luxury car for many year running. So I think I'll stick with the Jag thanks [emoji83]

Sorry, but I do agree with mnem on this one. The resemblance to a catfish mouth is striking.

I don't care, I still like Jags, look beyond the badge, as I do with my Skoda. Skoda was for years the butt of a shit load of jokes, but most people would admit that they are no longer a joke in car world.

"Corvette" is ALSO such a legend. So?

You're thinking of the Jaguar E-Type; which the XK8 is trying to "harken back to" but fails miserably.

In this modern world world where reliable and efficiently metered EFI/Ignition systems are literally an off-the-shelf commodity item you can buy in kit form, it is HARD to make a car that ISN'T dependable anymore; you HAVE TO TRY to make it happen. And still, Jaguar succeeds in keeping their rep for being high-maintenance.

You don't get my point... I don't hate European Sports Cars; I LOVE THEM. For (not in spite of) WHAT THEY ARE. What I HATE is when people try to make a car something it isn't; and what "Corvette" is NOW is a FAILED ATTEMPT at being pretty much the antithesis of what they were born as. Because 95% of the decisions made at GM are made by useless marketing wanks, who are so far removed from actual humanity they have no clue what BUILDING CARS is all about.

I've owned more cars than most people have driven; driven more cars than a lot of people have SEEN. I popped out the chute with a gearshift grip and white-line fever, just like my momma. EVERY CAR has its place, and its perfect owner (well, except maybe a Yugo ). I LOVE CARS.

mnem50+ years old and STILL:

Amen to that, I love cars too but that Yugo is something else, even its Mum can't love it [emoji23][emoji23]

Finally got the replacement KSGER soldering station today. It works fine but there are several issues that I wanted to address (was there going to be any doubt?).

First thing was the backup battery - it was completely dead. I knew this was an issue with these and I know how to fix it, but I chose to leave it without a battery, due to a good suggestion by another person on You Tube. If you leave out the battery it will simply count up the time from power-up, so showing you the time it's been on. I think this is better. I mean, I know what time it is and the date anyway.

The front circuit board was definitely bent due to stresses on it by the mis-alignment of the two opposing forces - the solder iron connector and the rotary encoder. I fixed this by using some spacers on the encoder. I was going to take it apart and use washers there but the genius of the mechanical design would require desoldering the iron connector to remove the whole board.

Also in China it appears that power switches are "ON" pushed down and "OFF" pushed up. I do not like that so I popped out the power switch and turned it easily 180 deg.

I also replaced the knob with another one I liked better (not slippery).

Now it's back together and I can calibrtate all the tips I have and start soldering something!

Also completed the exterior cosmetic work on the 485. New feet installed robbed from a 465 parts mule. Replaced missing AC-GND-DC knob on channel 1 also from a 465 parts mule. Cleaned off all the stickers and residue. And most of all spray painted the scratched up cabinet. Turned out rather good but this guy will never be pristine. Left to do is fix the channel 2 variable knob and shaft and then start troubleshooting the no power. But that won't happen for a while. Many other projects ahead of this one.

In this modern world world where reliable and efficiently metered EFI/Ignition systems are literally an off-the-shelf commodity item you can buy in kit form, it is HARD to make a car that ISN'T dependable anymore; you HAVE TO TRY to make it happen. And still, Jaguar succeeds in keeping their rep for being high-maintenance.

You don't get my point... I don't hate European Sports Cars; I LOVE THEM. For (not in spite of) WHAT THEY ARE. What I HATE is when people try to make a car something it isn't; and what "Corvette" is NOW is a FAILED ATTEMPT at being pretty much the antithesis of what they were born as. Because 95% of the decisions made at GM are made by useless marketing wanks, who are so far removed from actual humanity they have no clue what BUILDING CARS is all about.

I've owned more cars than most people have driven; driven more cars than a lot of people have SEEN. I popped out the chute with a gearshift grip and white-line fever, just like my momma. EVERY CAR has its place, and its perfect owner (well, except maybe a Yugo ). I LOVE CARS.

mnem50+ years old and STILL:

Why do you think I keep the Civic? Because I enjoy paying double insurance, double maintenance, gas, etc, etc? No, I keep the Civic for when I get tired of all the do-dads in the CR-V and most of all it's automatic transmission. Getting in the Civic is like a breath of fresh air. Direct and precise steering. 5 speed MANUAL transmission. No ABS, no traction control, no bullshit. A car you can DRIVE and toss around in the corners. Pull off smooth downshifts and exit a curve with the engine right in it's sweet spot. It may not be fast...but it does like to be driven and that 1.7 liter engine absolutely loves to rev. Driving it is my yoga.

I give a hearty 2 claws up, excellent quality fine stranded 16ga wire printed as it should be on the 1.5mm silicone jacket (which I also peeled back the insulation and confirmed firsthand) and soldered construction.

Oh man... you just made my day, and contributed to my DBA situation. You have discovered my secret weakness... it's less test equipment per-se, and more test leads, jumpers, wire, etc. Show me anything with a banana plug, alligator clip, mini-grabber clip, BNC connector, etc., and I'm in. The more colors the merrier! Different lengths, colors, connectors, adapters, etc... you can NEVER have enough leads, jumpers, etc. You just can't.

I give a hearty 2 claws up, excellent quality fine stranded 16ga wire printed as it should be on the 1.5mm silicone jacket (which I also peeled back the insulation and confirmed firsthand) and soldered construction.

Oh man... you just made my day, and contributed to my DBA situation. You have discovered my secret weakness... it's less test equipment per-se, and more test leads, jumpers, wire, etc. Show me anything with a banana plug, alligator clip, mini-grabber clip, BNC connector, etc., and I'm in. The more colors the merrier! Different lengths, colors, connectors, adapters, etc... you can NEVER have enough leads, jumpers, etc. You just can't.

I give a hearty 2 claws up, excellent quality fine stranded 16ga wire printed as it should be on the 1.5mm silicone jacket (which I also peeled back the insulation and confirmed firsthand) and soldered construction.

Oh man... you just made my day, and contributed to my DBA situation. You have discovered my secret weakness... it's less test equipment per-se, and more test leads, jumpers, wire, etc. Show me anything with a banana plug, alligator clip, mini-grabber clip, BNC connector, etc., and I'm in. The more colors the merrier! Different lengths, colors, connectors, adapters, etc... you can NEVER have enough leads, jumpers, etc. You just can't.

I need more Leads The cheaper evilbay or Aliexpress molded ones are fine for a few amps and most bench work but over 5V the voltage drop SUX.

This is a chunk of mine but doesn't include some of the BNC's/adapters and most of the heavy duty R/C ones and their own adapters stored elsewhere. Daily drivers within easy reach over the shack frame and the drawer for the rest and the shorty adapters. Separate drawer for 240V test leads blocks and deathdapters.

Time to go jump on the roof in the Winters Sun and finish off the screwing and polycarbonate replacement. If I am not back in 6-8 hours call me an Ambulance

While I was noodling around on AliEx, I stumbled across a smaller version of this for like $4; they market it in various sizes as a heating plate for applying/disassembling high-lux LEDs to/from the aluminum-plate star/disc PCB that they're typically applied to as heat-sink/transfer plates.At first glance it looks like a deathtrap firestarter you wouldn't want to get within splatter distance of; but the description says it's a 220V PTC element that self-regulates to ~250°C in about 30 seconds. Mmmmhmmmm...

I was curious, but the 120V ones were smaller and much more expensive; so I took a $5 gamble on one of the 220V/300W rated ones to see. As I expected it takes a few minutes drawing approx 1.3A, but being PTC element, it does come up to nearly its rated temp then throttles back to ~0.6A at ~200°C, stabilizing at ~230°C on my workbench. Curious, I did confirm that direct contact with the plate WILL melt 63/37 solder fully liquid.

This one is 120mm x 70mm, which is a nice size for all sorts of projects; also warming your coffee cup, and maybe even roasting some coffee beans...?